BMW Will be Presenting Sponsor at 2004 Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C., June 16, 2004; BMW of North America, LLC announced today that it will be the presenting sponsor for the 2004 Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance to be held here November 6-7.

A group of executives from BMW of North America were on hand at a press conference at HarbourTown in the Sea Pines Resort to make the announcement. They were greeted by representatives of the event, Town Manager of the coastal island community Steve Riley and representatives of the Greater Hilton Head Island/Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.

"This Concours event in Hilton Head has quickly become one of the most notable shows of its kind in the United States," said Hank Schoeler, Regional Marketing Manager for the BMW organization. "We are very excited to be playing a key role. BMW has a strong and very positive relationship with the State of South Carolina because of our manufacturing facilities in the upper State. This is a beautiful state and many consider this coastal island of Hilton Head as the state's window to the world."

Schoeler said BMW will be making a $150,000 cash contribution to the event as well as a providing a wide array of services and marketing assistance. He noted that a major focus of BMW's 2004 participation will be to celebrate said the storied history of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, now part of the BMW Group, which is having its 100th anniversary this year.

The 2004 Rolls Royce Phantom was one of three official car models showcased at the press conference along with a BMW 645 CIC Convertible and a MINI Cooper.

Dr. Paul. Doerring, Chairman and Event Director said the November event will "have a marvelous display of both classic and new automobiles, and is planning to have a special Saturday exhibit "Speed on Wheels" which will feature examples of "speed vehicles" from famous NASCAR autos to Indy racers, dragsters and even motorcycles."

Dr. Doerring noted that there will be vehicles from both museums and private collections that have never been seen before on Hilton Head. He pointed out that of the classic cars which compete, they can participate in a show only once every three years - a rule which ensures that the public gets to see a different set of classic cars from one year to the next.

The Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance benefits two main charities, The Hilton Head Youth Orchestra Outreach Program and the local area Boys & Girls Club. Last year nearly 300 volunteers helped with the event, and Jim Hopkins, the event's general manager, said anyone seeking to be a volunteer at this year's show can visit the website: http://www.hhiconcours.com .

In addition to the show itself Dr. Doerring said the planning committee is hoping to have two driving tours on Saturday that will parade through Hilton Head and Bluffton to Savannah. He explained that although the details need to be solidified, they anticipate upwards to of the cars participating.

Dr. Doerring said, "there will be 45 judges from 38 states who will judge vintage and classic cars from 15 classes. There will also be a People's Choice Award that will be presented by General Motors and then overall 'Best of Show' award."

Concours d'Elegance is a French term literally meaning "Parade of Elegance". The automotive show originated in Paris in the early 1900's, and at the time exhibited the latest fashion collections along with custom coach work on new automobiles by European couture houses. Such events were halted during World War II, but re-appeared afterwards in Europe, making their debut in the United States at Pebble Beach in 1950. Today there are several dozen shows in the U.S.A. that have adopted the Concours name, but only a handful which are considered elite.

Dr. Doerring said he is hopeful that with the help of sponsors like BMW of North America the Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance will become a major tourist attraction for Hilton Head in the fall. "We have the MCI Heritage Golf Classic in the spring. Perhaps this can become the big Fall event."

Advance tickets are already on sale, priced at $35 for the two day event and individually at $15 for Saturday and $25 for Sunday. They are available by calling 843-785-7469 or visiting the event's website.